Southampton: Road to a renaissance

Southampton is a city of opportunity with enormous potential, and Southampton City Council is excited to be collaborating with city-wide partners to improve the economic, social and environmental prospects of the city and attract investors, businesses and employers, as well as meet the needs of our diverse communities

For example, in mid-November, Southampton Football Club hosted the successful South Coast Property Show, attended by over 1000 people who came to discover more about the investment opportunities in the city and the region.

Meanwhile the Renaissance Board, which is made up of key stakeholders in Southampton with a remit focused on growth, strategic skills, sustainable development and investment, have been working together on a masterplan and prospectus for change. The ambition for this masterplan is based on three key drivers: being a world-leading maritime city, creating a destination city, and a city that is driven by innovation and sustainability.

In other work, we have been asking people and businesses about their priorities and vision for Southampton through the City Survey. Work has also been undertaken to develop a city-wide brand that will be used to highlight our collaborative initiatives and joint campaigns. This will help the city present a unified story and speak with one voice about Southampton, the city’s ambitions, achievements and potential, and to raise Southampton’s profile and reputation regionally, nationally and internationally. Major cities across the UK have adopted this approach, such as Manchester, Liverpool and Bristol, to great success.

In addition, in early December, funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund scheme, new Welcome signs are being installed across the city to improve the sense of arrival for visitors and homecoming for residents. This complements the work undertaken in Albion Place which through the government’s Transforming Cities Fund, has been regenerated with a new bus hub and the newly created Arundel Gardens. It sits alongside the freshly repaired medieval town walls, now resplendent with night-time lighting, and where significant archaeological finds were discovered including the foundations of Southampton’s first Synagogue built in 1864, and flints and pottery dating back 9,000 years.

All this is helping to build excitement about Southampton’s huge potential, with lots more to come in 2025.

Stephen Manion, Executive Director for GO! Southampton, said:

“GO! Southampton are pleased to be working in partnership with the council on its growth and prosperity plans, making the city a better place to live, work, visit and attract investment.”

Claire Whitaker, CEO of Southampton Forward, said:

"It’s fantastic to see UK Government funding supporting Southampton’s ambitions as a destination for investment, culture and community. Southampton Forward are proud to be working closely with the council and citywide partners on initiatives like these new welcome signs, which reflect the city’s vibrant identity and ensure every visitor receives a warm welcome. Together with the development of the city brand and the work of the Renaissance Board, these efforts demonstrate our shared commitment to celebrating Southampton’s heritage, supporting local businesses and fostering stronger cultural connections."

Councillor Lorna Fielker, Leader of Southampton City Council, said:

“We are very proud of Southampton and its rich cultural heritage and diversity, and the quality of the collaboration across the city including with our communities, businesses and educational institutions who all want to see a healthy city and inclusive growth for current and future generations. By coming together to shout about the potential of Southampton and present a unified approach, I truly believe we can make a difference to Southampton’s prospects for our people and our place.”